In search of happiness in Saint-Eustache

From flea markets to pickleball courts, a reporter retraces his roots to find out why Saint-Eustache is suddenly among Quebec’s happiest cities.

Hugo Meunier @ URBANIA

Hugo Meunier @ URBANIA

7 octobre 2025- Read time: 10 min
In search of happiness in Saint-Eustache

This story originally appeared on July 17, 2025 in URBANIA, an online magazine based in Quebec focused on pop culture and society. The original title of this article, La ballade des gens heureux (de Saint-Eustache), hinted at a song by Gérard Lenorman from 1975 that just didn't quite translate right, so we tweaked it. Sorry, Hugo.

Summer is often a time of slow news.

Not all the time, I know. Sometimes a train explodes in downtown Lac-Mégantic or a teenager is shot by police in Montréal-Nord. But generally, the news is pretty slow.

Yes, yes, there's Gaza, Ukraine, Trump, tariffs, the weather apocalypse, etc. But there comes a time when the fourth estate also wants to smear Banana Boat on its face and sit on a towel by the pool. Not the one in Jarry Parkbecause it's full of shady men .

Article réservé aux membres

Découvrez Montréal autrement. Rejoignez la communauté The Main.

Lisez cet article gratuitement.

Entrez votre courriel pour débloquer votre premier article et recevoir The Bulletin, notre infolettre sur la bouffe, l’art et la culture locale.

  • 5 articles gratuits par mois
  • Sauvegardez vos adresses et guides
  • Infolettre hebdo The Main Brief
  • Restez branché sur la culture montréalaise

Allez plus loin. Devenez Insider.

Faites partie d’une communauté qui soutient les histoires montréalaises indépendantes et célèbre les gens qui font vivre la culture.

Subscribe
  • Accès illimité à tous les articles
  • Contenu exclusif & perspectives locales
  • Offres spéciales et invitations à nos événements
  • 10 % de rabais à la boutique
  • Soutenez les médias locaux indépendants

Déjà membre? Se connecter

Related articles

How cold-climate wine is made at David McMillan's Hayfield Farm vineyard
Version Anglaise
Scott Usheroff

How cold-climate wine is made at David McMillan's Hayfield Farm vineyard

Following the Joe Beef co-founder through two days of cold-climate viticulture harvests where hospitality takes the form of al fresco meals, crushed grapes underfoot, and relentless labour.

The mystery of white sauce poutine
Version Anglaise
Jean Bourbeau @ URBANIA

The mystery of white sauce poutine

A deep dive into the belly of the Outaouais.

Firing ceramics by hand in the Laurentians with the pottery collective Goregama
Version Anglaise
J.P. Karwacki

Firing ceramics by hand in the Laurentians with the pottery collective Goregama

Ancient technique, unpredictability, and slow, communal craft: Goregama has gathered twice a year since 2019 to feed wood into an anagama kiln for 40 hours straight.

Baie Saint-Paul might be your best bet for a weekend escape in Quebec
Version Anglaise
Daniel Bromberg

Baie Saint-Paul might be your best bet for a weekend escape in Quebec

From farm fields to natural wine, Baie-Saint-Paul makes the case for a quick pause away from it all.

In search of happiness in Saint-Eustache
Version Anglaise
Hugo Meunier @ URBANIA

In search of happiness in Saint-Eustache

From flea markets to pickleball courts, a reporter retraces his roots to find out why Saint-Eustache is suddenly among Quebec’s happiest cities.

Old Habits fish sauce from Vancouver Island is true Canadian umami
Version Anglaise
J.P. Karwacki

Old Habits fish sauce from Vancouver Island is true Canadian umami

Nathan Gawalko left high-end restaurants across the world to bottle ancient traditions of fish, salt, and time on British Columbia's coast.